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Tony Hudgell's charity walk for Evelina London Children's Hospital streamed live on YouTube

By: Rhys Griffiths rgriffiths@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 30 June 2020

Updated: 16:02, 30 June 2020

The final steps of a five-year-old's charity walk which has captured the imagination of the nation was shown live online today.

Brave double-amputee Tony Hudgell completed the 10km charity challenge in Kings Hill this afternoon after raising more than £1million for the Evelina London Children's Hospital.

Scroll down to watch the broadcast from 2.50pm

Tony Hudgell started a 10k walking challenge for the month of June - and had captured the hearts of the nation

The Discovery School pupil - who walks with the help of crutches and prosthetic legs - was inspired to raise money for the hospital that saved his life as a baby after seeing the exploits of Captain Tom Moore.

He set out with the aim of walking a little way each day in June, hoping to get to the 10km point by the end of the month.

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Tony was left without his legs after suffering terrible abuse at the hands of his birth parents, who were subsequently jailed.

Now the incredible little lad has become a national sensation, receiving words of support from former Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the footballing heroes of his team Chelsea.

So far his JustGiving page has raised more than £1million from almost 48,000 supporters, and gift aid and offline donations will boost that total even further.

Read more!

Watch Tony finish his challenge here

His adoptive mum Paula Hudgell said: "We could not be prouder or happier for him giving something back to this incredible hospital.

"We just can't thank everybody enough for all the support, love and messages. It's just been so wonderful for Tony, his walking has improved so much."

Caroline Gormley, associate director of fundraising at Evelina London, said: "We are so touched by the generosity of those giving money to support Tony's incredible fundraising challenge.

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"It has been truly inspiring following Tony's journey and seeing his confidence grow as the month has gone on.

"He is an absolute star and it's wonderful to know that the money he has raised will help children like Tony and their families across the region.

Tony Hudgell on an electronic billboard in London's Piccadilly Circus. Picture: David Tett

"We are so proud of Tony and can’t thank him or his amazing family enough."

Horrific abuse by Jody Simpson and Antony Smith resulted in him having to have both legs amputated and left him fighting for his life when just 41 days old.

The Maidstone couple were both eventually jailed for 10 years in 2018 and have had subsequent attempts to slash their sentences rejected by the courts.

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